‘The people will make the right choice’

On the eve of the referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution, tremendous work has already been done. It was honest, transparent, and open. Now it is up to every citizen to come to the polling station and express their final opinion. It was the preparation and holding of the referendum that became the main topic on the agenda of the Security Council meeting. Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised, “I am sure that the people will make the right choice, a thoughtful and wise choice, in the upcoming referendum. It will be up to the people to decide. We have conveyed the essence of the amendments to the people and put the country’s fate in the hands of the Belarusian people. Let them make a choice.”

Safety is a top priority

Speaking of the referendum procedure, the President emphasised the importance of the institution of a referendum for the formation and strengthening of the Belarusian statehood and stressed, “In the history of sovereign, independent Belarus, it played a crucial role three times. The time has come now to strengthen the Basic Law with provisions that will ensure Belarus’ development in the face of new challenges and threats to our statehood. Moreover, new dangers will be constantly arising.”


In confirmation of his words, the President recalled the recent events in Kazakhstan — naming them another alarm signal for us, Russia, other post-Soviet countries, and others.
The Head of State drew attention to the fact that even before the plebiscite was held, the West did not like its possible outcomes in advance, “You are well aware that all referendums and elections were not accepted there even before they were held. Just remember how it was in the past: we hadn’t launched a campaign yet, and they had already crossed it out. They didn’t like anything. It will be exactly the same now. The upcoming campaign will not be an exception.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko drew attention to the fact that pressure on Belarus in various areas won’t stop, “They planned a ‘colour revolution’ in the centre of Europe but received a failed rebellion. American experts and political scientists (who have any authority there) called it ‘an unsuccessful attempt at an unconstitutional coup’. 


By the way, huge money was invested in this ‘unsuccessful attempt’. According to our calculations alone (what we were able to track), the sum is over $6 billion. This is an exorbitant price for Belarus. Those who have failed to work off this money will try to shake up people again.”
The President made a special emphasis on the fact that members of election commissions of various levels become the main target of destructive forces.
“We agreed that these people should be protected in every possible way and the law enforcement agencies received the corresponding instructions. Recently, our Interior Minister spoke about this. Those who are engaged in state affairs today shouldn’t worry. We don’t have the situation today that we had in 2020, and we can protect everyone. This is our sacred duty. God forbid, they touch at least one person — you know what will happen.”
The President noted that the provocations may also be staged aiming to expose our country to additional sanctions or even blackmail via military means, “It has already begun. Helicopters, drones, shooting at border signs, crossing our border on foot. The deployment of NATO troops in Europe — previously declared as temporary — has already become permanent. This buildup is even expanding.
Under these conditions, the main means of ensuring stability and further development of the country are the personal responsibility of each person for the fate of the country and collective immunity to the manipulation of public consciousness. 
Undoubtedly, the vertical of power, the economic bloc, and law enforcement agencies need to take additional measures to ensure the safety and peaceful life of people in the coming period.”

Themis knows no boundaries

The Investigative Committee proposes to introduce into the criminal process the so-called trial in absentia for criminal cases against defendants who are beyond the border of Belarus. This issue is on the agenda of the Security Council meeting and the innovation is supposed to be extended to those who have committed or are committing especially dangerous crimes provided for by the national legislation of Belarus. Addressing the participants of the meeting, President Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “Such approaches have long been practiced in many countries, including European states. I do not think that innovation will affect a significant number of our citizens. Apparently, these are only a few of the so-called ‘fugitives’. Unfortunately, there are such people. There will be something to think about for those who intend to harm their country, people, economy, and then to hide abroad.”


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Head of the Belarus President Administration Igor Sergeyenko later in a conversation with journalists noted that at the meeting considerable attention was paid to security issues at all stages of preparation and holding of the referendum. Igor Sergeyenko emphasised, “Commissions have already been formed and started their work in accordance with the Central Elections Commission calendar plan. Constructive and calm work is underway.
Today we feel the feedback, the interest of the majority, the overwhelming part of the population in the referendum, in its results, and in personal participation. To cast your vote means to give it for the future of the country, children, and all fellow countrymen.”

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by
Photos by BELTA